The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 (including Indian Administrative Service – IAS, Indian Police Service – IPS, Indian Foreign Service – IFS, and other allied services) combined with Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2026 is one of India’s most prestigious and competitive government recruitments. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), it recruits for top administrative and forest services in the country.
Latest Update (as of February 24, 2026):
- The online application process is ongoing and has been extended due to technical issues on the portal (website crash reported on the original last day).
- New last date: February 27, 2026 (up to 6:00 PM).
- Apply immediately if you haven’t—don’t wait till the last minute to avoid server overload!
- Notification (Advt. No. 05/2026) released on February 4, 2026.
- Total vacancies: 933 (for CSE; includes IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc.; IFoS vacancies separate but recruited through same prelims).
- Prelims exam fixed on May 24, 2026.
This is a dream opportunity for graduates aiming for IAS/IFS and other central services with excellent career growth, power, and prestige.
Key Highlights
- Posts/Services: IAS, IPS, IFS (Indian Forest Service), IRS, IRTS, IRAS, and other Group A & B central services (exact service allocation based on rank and preference).
- Total Vacancies: 933 (approximate; includes reservations for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD; 33 for PwBD).
- Exam Stages: Prelims (objective, qualifying), Mains (descriptive), Personality Test (Interview).
- Prelims Mode: Offline (pen-paper), two papers (GS + CSAT).
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | February 4, 2026 |
| Online Application Start | February 4, 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date (Extended) | February 27, 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | February 27, 2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date | May 24, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Prelims Admit Card | 2-3 weeks before exam |
| Prelims Result | To be announced (usually July) |
| Mains Exam Start | August 21, 2026 onwards |
| Interview/Personality Test | Early 2027 (tentative) |
| Final Result | Mid-2027 (tentative) |
Age Limit Reference Date: August 1, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria (Simple Summary)
- Age Limit (as on August 1, 2026):
- Minimum: 21 years
- Maximum: 32 years (born not earlier than August 2, 1994, and not later than August 1, 2005).
- Relaxation: OBC 3 years, SC/ST 5 years, PwBD extra as per rules.
- Education:
- For CSE (IAS/IPS/etc.): Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- For IFoS: Bachelor’s degree with at least one of: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, Forestry, or equivalent.
- Number of attempts: General 6, OBC 9, SC/ST unlimited (till age limit).
- Other: Must meet physical standards for certain services (e.g., IPS/IFS).
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female | Exempted (₹0) |
- Paid online via Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, etc.
- No refund mentioned; pay only once.
Selection Process
- Preliminary Exam (May 24, 2026) – Two papers (General Studies + CSAT); qualifying (CSAT needs 33%).
- Main Examination (starts August 21, 2026) – 9 papers (Essay, GS I-IV, Optional I-II, Language papers).
- Personality Test/Interview (275 marks). Final merit: Mains + Interview (total 2025 marks); Prelims only qualifying.
How to Apply (Simple Steps – Apply Now!)
- Visit the official UPSC application portal: https://upsconline.nic.in/ (new portal).
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if not done (required).
- Login, select CSE 2026 / IFoS 2026.
- Fill form, upload photo/signature/ID proof.
- Pay fee (if applicable).
- Submit before February 27, 2026, 6 PM—take printout.
Tip: Complete OTR early; apply well before deadline to avoid rush/technical glitches.
Important Links
- Official UPSC Website: https://upsc.gov.in/
- Apply Online (New Portal): https://upsconline.nic.in/
- Examination Notifications: https://upsc.gov.in/exams-related-info/exam-notification
- Download Notification PDF: Available on UPSC site (search “Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026” or Advt. 05/2026).
- Annual Calendar 2026: https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/exam-calendar
Note: The application window is closing soon (Feb 27, 2026)—apply today! Always check the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in) for any further extensions, corrections, or updates. Avoid third-party sites for applications. Prepare seriously for Prelims—focus on current affairs, GS basics, and CSAT practice. Good luck to all UPSC 2026 aspirants—stay focused and apply now!
